Day Care Licensing Requirements

Before starting your child care center, know the many regulatory systems that will affect your program. Most states require that child care centers be licensed. Some cities and counties may have additional licensing requirements, such as health regulations, safety codes, fire inspections and zoning laws. Violating these codes can result in a fine and/or suspension of your license.

Licensing requirements vary from state to state, but most include the following:

Physical space

• Number of square feet needed per child both indoors and outdoors, depending on the children's ages
• Lighting, heating/air-conditioning, ventilation and plumbing requirements

Health requirements

• Possible annual medical examinations for staff and for children
• Immunization records. (Even if they aren't required, it's an important safeguard to consider.)
• Staff-child ratios -- The minimum number of adults required for a given number of children, depending on their ages. Some states also regulate the maximum size of groups of children, in addition to specifying minimum qualifications for staff.
• Food preparation and nutrition
• Emergency procedures
• Educational program requirements
• Record keeping
• Discipline
• Building safety -- Type of construction, number of exits, fire doors
• Sanitation (health) requirements - Plumbing, Food preparation and equipment, Adequate ventilation in athroom(s) and classroom(s)
• Fire regulations (life safety code) - Posted fire drill procedures, Fencing requirements, Type of neighborhood in which small businesses may be located
• Zoning regulations -- Check with the local government and with any property
  owners' or homeowners' associations to find out if the type of child care services you
  are planning to provide is permitted or if there are restrictions. There may be a local
  child care advocacy group or professional association that can answer your questions
  and help you with zoning problems.

For more information on Licensing Regulations in your state, please click here.